Happy, Healthy Kids: Music to the Soul

Have you ever played the piano? The guitar? Cello?

When I was in elementary school, my best friend sat down at the piano during music class and played the beginning part of Fur Elise by Beethoven. I was in awe.

When she told me I could do it, my first thought was "Yeah, right!" However, she taught me right there how to play the first part of that beautiful song.

Shortly thereafter, my parents allowed me to start taking piano lessons. In middle school I began playing the piano for Sunday school—granted, there were not many other choices for music in Sunday school at that time, so they went with what they could get.

I was nervous and embarrassed because I couldn't play the hymns with both hands. But as each week went by and I was able to provide more and more music at church, my confidence soared.

Eventually I went on to be the accompanist for our show choir in high school and was the organist at church every Wednesday. Every once in a while they would persuade me to fill in as soloist.

I took a semester of music theory, guitar and other music classes at FSU in attempts to become an elementary school music teacher. Unfortunately, they were projecting another four years of college music, and I only had two years of college left. So I switched to math eduction. However, I have been teaching piano lessons on and off for over a decade.

Music never left me. I dabble a bit with guitar and violin, but piano really gets to me. It is an outlet, therapy if you will. No matter what mood I am in, I can sit down and play a song to reflect that.

A few days ago I found a new song on the radio and fell in love with it. It's called Blessings by Laura Story. I was determined to be able to play it the next day. I purchased the sheet music online and ended up playing the song until 2:30 a.m. and again most of the morning today.

When you let the words soak deep down and really touch your soul, you feel completely different. Your mood changes, and peace overcomes you.

When children learn to play the piano, it can stick with them for the rest of their lives. There are constantly opportunities to play music: family Christmas time, birthdays, church, talent shows, with friends.

My best friend and I ended up competing in piano competitions playing duets. It was fun to connect with her in that way. I'm not amazing at it, but I love playing. My cousin was so good at music that he got a doctorate in it and now teaches college music.

Some children will really take off with it, and others will just dabble. But, it's something that will bring joy for years to come. Now that I am a mother, I make sure my children have exposure to music. Find an instrument that really speaks to your child and watch them soar.